Teledyne acquires minority stake in Optical Alchemy

Thousand Oaks, CA--Teledyne Technologies Incorporated announced that its subsidiary, Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC, acquired a minority interest in Optical Alchemy (Nashua, NH), a designer and manufacturer of ultra-light electro-optical gimbal systems. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

"Given their low weight, Optical Alchemy's inertially stabilized, geo-referenced imaging systems are especially well suited for UAV applications which require persistent surveillance and precise targeting," said Robert Mehrabian, chairman, president and CEO of Teledyne. "Our investment in Optical Alchemy further increases Teledyne's involvement in infrared and visible imaging systems for tactical military operations."

"We are pleased to have Teledyne as a strategic investor in the company," said Bill Hanley, chairman and CEO of Optical Alchemy. "In addition, we see Teledyne enhancing the capabilities of Optical Alchemy's systems by providing proprietary focal plane arrays, camera subsystems, and Teledyne's unique positioning and timing devices."

As part of its investment in Optical Alchemy, Teledyne received options to purchase a controlling stake in the company after three years, and 100% of the shares after five years; in each case, at a formula-determined price per share that is based on Optical Alchemy's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for the prior twelve month period.

--Posted by Gail Overton; [email protected]; www.laserfocusworld.com.